"Hope and expectation are a fool's income" (Danish).[548]
Hopes deferred hang the heart on tenter hooks.
"He gives twice who gives quickly" (Latin);[549] and "A prompt refusal has in part the grace of a favour granted" (Latin).[550]
All is not at hand that helps.
We cannot foresee whence help may come to us, nor always trace back to their sources the advantages we actually enjoy. "Water comes to the mill from afar" (Portuguese).[551] On the other hand, "Far water does not put out near fire" (Italian);[552] and "Better is a near neighbour than a distant cousin" (Italian).[553] "Friends living far away are no friends" (Greek).[554]
FOOTNOTES:
[523] In French, L'homme propose, Dieu dispose; in German, Man denkt's, Gott lenkt's. The Spanish form is a little different: Los dichos en nos, los hechos en Dios.
[524] Roep geen haring eer hij in't net is.
[525] Ante victoriam canere triumphum.
[526] Vender l'uccello in sù la frasca.